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South Sudan seeks removal of US sanctions on Khartoum

July 23, 2012 (JUBA) The Republic of South Sudan said it will work
together with neighboring Sudan to seek the removal of U.S. economic
sanctions imposed on the latter, as part of a proposed agreement on
friendly relations between the two countries.

The proposal, a copy of which Sudan Tribune has seen, was on Sunday
tabled before the African Union High Level Implementation Panel
(AUHIP) one of the ways to comprehensively resolve all outstanding
issues with Sudan, with just about a week to the 2 August deadline set
by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The 67-page document, also presented before the Sudan government
delegation in Addis Ababa, is reportedly in line with the AU Peace &
Security Council (AUPC) roadmap as endorsed by UNSC Resolution 2046.

Entitled, “Agreement on Friendly Relations & Cooperation (AFRC)
between The Republic of South Sudan and The Republic of Sudan,” the
proposal tackles six key parts, including security and border,
nationality issues, economic relations, the disputed Abyei region,
other general provisions and suggestions on how the conflict in South
Kordofan can be resolved.

The detail proposal, South Sudan’s chief negotiator said, aims to achieve permanent and lasting peace, security and prosperity for both nations.

South Sudan, in its proposal, insists that the AFRC, if accepted by neighboring Sudan, would not only rejuvenate the latter’s economy, but
also end hostilities, resume bilateral trade (including oil production and export), and ensure a permanent peace between the two countries.

“In the interest of peace, South Sudan has tabled an agreement that is
very forward-leaning. For instance, despite its own serious development challenges, South Sudan has included in the AFRC generous financial transfers to Sudan, to ensure its economic viability,” said Pagan Amum, in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

“The AFRC is a fair and balanced agreement where each nation’s people will benefit,” he added.

South Sudan, according to the proposed agreement, reaffirms its commitment to fully implement, “in good faith”, all security agreements previously concluded with Sudan, citing the 29 June, 2011 Agreement on Border Security and the Joint Political and Security Mechanism, the 30 July, 2011 Agreement on the Border Monitoring Support Mission, the 8 August 2011 Agreement on the Border Monitoring Support Mission, the 10 February 2012 Memorandum of Understanding on Non-aggression and Cooperation, and the 23 June 2012 Agreement on the Definition of Cessation of Hostilities.

“These concluded security agreements shall remain in force with their terms incorporated by reference herein, unless otherwise expressly modified by this Part,” the agreement reads in part.

On the border issue, the new nation proposes the establishment of the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ), calling for unconditional acceptance of the administrative and security map presented to both parties by the AUHIP, also endorsed by the AUPSC Communiqué and UNSC Resolution 2046.

“The Parties shall immediately establish the SDBZ where the forces of the two Parties shall redeploy ten (10) kilometres to the North and South of the centre line established by the AUHIP 2011 Map,” says the agreement, adding that all parties shall unconditionally withdraw all their armed forces to their respective sides of the agreed upon center line.

Meanwhile, the new nation is also seeking to forgive all arrears and claims against the Government of Sudan, its agencies and instrumentalities. This it says, includes the $4.968 billion claims, which will be written off within the context of the arrears and claims negotiations conducted under the auspices of the AUHIP.

South Sudan further proposes that the need for both parties to mutually commit to a fair commercial oil agreement based on international practice and standards.

“All fees and charges shall be fair, reasonable, cost-based, and consistent with international law and state practice including with respect to the rights of land locked states,” it says.

On the controversial pipeline tariffs issue, South Sudan says it shall pay fees as calculated under the existing Crude Oil Transportation Agreements/Crude Oil Pipeline Agreements (“COTAs”/”COPAs”), amounting
to $7.40 per barrel $5.50 per barrel at the ceiling level for shippers. The new nation also proposed payment of $1.0 per barrel calculated on the basis of cost recovery.

(ST)

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